Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/27/2007

Question
I have come into possession of an old half size tuba.  The engraving says Lyon and Healy "Own Make"  Serial # 1564.  The horn has a 14" bell and is about 31" tall.  Can you tell me anything about this type of horn, especially, where I can find a suitable mouthpiece.  A regular tuba mouthpiece is much too big and a euphonium mouthpiece is much too small.  

Answer
Most of the product that Lyon and Healy sold was purchased from other makers, but they eventually decided to produce their own line of instruments, and they are quality players.  But as you have discovered a BBb tuba mouthpiece is too large and even when you can get a BBb mouthpiece to insert into an Eb tuba, it general gives poor results - poor intonation, thick sound, etc.  There are a few makers that still make Eb mouthpieces (Wick is one, I believe), once in a while you can find one on eBay.  And, if all else fails, get the largest bass trombone mouthpiece you can find - It will be on the small size as far as the cup goes, but it will fit and work.